You might have stepped into your teens and passed much of your time as teen age. You might have gone to the school and have also seen some of the college life. So you might have distracted from the real purpose of life. You are not born to get lost in this false glamor of the world. You are here to lead; to establish peace and justice on earth on behalf of Allah.

If you celebrate Valentine’s week or be a part of it – in one or the other way – then I would like to remind you the prophetic sayings wherein he said, "The feet of the son of Adam shall not move from before his Lord on the Day of Judgement, until he is asked about five things: about his life and what he did with it, about his youth and what he wore it out in, about his wealth and how he earned it and spent it upon, and what he did with what he knew" (Classified as Hasan by Albani in Saheeh At Tirmidhi 1969). Until you answer about your youth, your feet shall not move from your Lord.

Fear Allah and stay away from the evils that has penetrated in our campuses. Get better education, focus on your dream and strive to earn your livelihood in halaal way, for it Allah who is the best of the providers, so do not cross the limits set by Allah.

This is the age you feel like restricted, you sense that we try to cut your wings so that you cannot fly. Remember, my dear brothers and sisters, it is the age we have already passed out. We have seen this life much closer than you. We do not try to cut your wings, rather we regulate you. We guide you in a proper manner so that you can fly higher and higher and get successful and achieve your dreams beyond this life.

I remind you of Muhammad Bin Qasim, who was only 16 when he became the Army General and died at the age of 20 in the year 715 CE. We need to revive the Way of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and be a role model for the generations to come. Remember, this life you have is a possession of Allah and we have to answer about it. Do not fall into the traps of this so called glamorous world and ruin your youth. Allah loves you and wants you to be successful in this world and in the hereafter. Work hard and stay away from sins – no matter how small it is.

The Author is a Motivational Speaker and Writer who inspires the youth to be a role model for generations. Follow his quotes @IftyQuotes

The Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace be upon him) said in his farewell, and most popular, sermon during the Hajj, “I have left two matters with you. As long as you hold to them, you will not go to the wrong way. They are the book of Allah and my Sunnah” (Muatta Malik 1628).

Ever since the Muslim Ummah left these two sources of guidance, we have failed to realize the correct pathway of the Creator. Not only the correct pathway, we have even failed to distinguish between enemies and friends. We have lost our qualities of visionary leadership.

Indian Media is constantly bombarding disinformation or misinformation about Islam. Everyday Islam is being targeted. Muslims are being trialled and judgments are being passed by news anchors in their daily talk shows. From what is being witnessed almost on a daily basis, one thing is very clear: there is a massive propaganda and information war deployed on Muslims by the media. And there should be no doubt about this.

As we know, media is used to manage the perception of the masses. It also helps to create/change the mindset of the people - so much so that the governments in the world, in some or the other way, are trying to get a hold on media. Even India is not an exception to this case as we all know the status of media in our largest ‘democratic’ country.

As I have said before, the information war is being waged against the Muslims in particular, we are constantly being attacked in this war, through various means, and we have failed to distinguish between a propaganda and a correct information.

Let me explain to you by giving an example:

We receive messages on WhatsApp or other social media platforms whose writer remain anonymous. Without realizing its soul effect, we keep on forwarding it. There are some messages I have come across and while countering the narratives of such messages, I even had to explain our people who remain in denial mode. They say check the facts in the message rather than jumping on conclusion. Such discussions have inspired me to write this entire article.

In the age of social media, if we fail to realize the agenda behind any posts, directly or indirectly, we end up becoming party to their agenda. Hence, we should be very careful while accepting such messages.

For example, when the Babri Masjid issue was debated in the media, there were many messages circulated by anonymous writers. Among them was:

“Let the Babri Masjid judgment come, which Firqa will take hold of the masjid? Believe me, after the judgment, there will be riots in our community bigger than Gujarat 2002 and Muzaffarnagar.”

“O People, who want to build Babri Masjid, first increase the namazi in your local Masjid”

“In the grave, you will not be questioned about meat or beef but surely you will be questioned about your Aa’mal. First, correct your Aa’mal.”

There are many other such messages whose writer remains a mystery but we feel okay to forward such messages. When we try to explain our people the agenda behind such messages, we are asked to check the facts in the message rather than passing judgment. I invite those brothers to read the Quran, Surah Munafiqoon 63:1 “When the hypocrites come to you, [O Muhammad], they say, "We testify that you are the Messenger of Allah." And Allah knows that you are His Messenger, and Allah testifies that the hypocrites are liars.”

In the above verse, apparently, the hypocrites were telling the “truth” that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the messenger of Allah. Yet, Allah called them liars. Why? Some of our people, according to their logic, they might even allege Allah of ‘being judgmental’ (Nauzbillah) and ask, why Allah called them a liar? Allah should see the “fact” in the words of hypocrites, rather than calling them a liar. (Subhanallah!)

If anyone can understand the wisdom behind this verse of the Quran, I am sure he can never be played in the hands of enemies of the Islam. He can easily counter the fake propaganda of the enemies of Islam. He can be a good warrior to counter the informational warfare.

Let me refute the above three messages here before I conclude:

Sectarian riots: There is no sectarian riots in India, which can even be remotely compared to the communal riots that took place in Gujarat 2002 and Muzaffarnagar. The purpose of this message is very clear. The creator of this message is somehow trying to dilute the heinous crime which was done in those communal riots. It is being portrayed that Muslims sectarian fight is bigger and more dangerous than those communal riots. NOW YOU CAN GUESS WHO WANTS YOU TO BELIEVE IN THIS POST?

Increase Namazi in your local masjid 365 days in a year: You get reminded of inviting people to masjids only when right wing people ignite Babri Masjid issue? Why do you need the issue of Babri Masjid to increasing the number of people in the masjids? The main purpose of this message is to forget what’s happening in the court of law about Babri Masjid. NOW ASK YOURSELF WHO WANTS YOU TO FORGET BABRI MASJID ISSUE?

Beef issue: Bhayya…! It is not the matter of beef or meat-eating, it's the matter of my freedom. My freedom is being taken away from me. Our Prophet (Peace be upon him) has commanded us to fight for our rights when it is being taken by the tyrant regime. ONLY THE RIGHT-WING PEOPLE WANT YOU TO STOP FIGHTING FOR YOUR OWN RIGHTS.

Mental slavery and inferiority complex are the main cause to get inspired by such deviated messages which have a hidden agenda. Turn back to Allah and His Messenger, you will never go astray.

“Just because something isn't a lie does not mean that it isn't deceptive. A liar knows that he is a liar, but one who speaks mere portions of truth in order to deceive is a craftsman of destruction.” - Criss Jami

It happened as expected. After reading the open letter of Dr Zakir Naik to the Indians, it was expected that instead of answering the questions raised by Dr Zakir Naik people divert the issue and give it another angle. Now people have started asking "Is he the Boss of the Muslims? He is just an individual.”

Now people have come up with the questions: Who is Dr. Zakir Naik? What right does he possess to talk about Indian Muslims? Why Is he taking shelter behind Muslims for his crimes? Is he playing communal card?

Soon after the release of the Open Letter, one of the online news portal instead of publishing the entire letter, they published a review of their own on the letter. Some of the bloggers have already started crying after the letter. Someone wrote Dr. Zakir Naik, ban on your NGO is not an attack on Indian Muslims. No matter what questions you ask, the fact remains unchanged. Dr. Naik has seriously raised some questions which need to be addressed. There are many questions which I can discussed here but I will just talk about harassment of the Muslims in the name of terror charges.

Dr Zakir Naik said in his open letter "People are being arrested and put in jail for 7-10 years before being proven innocent by courts. But guilty or not guilty, their lives are ruined, their families are ruined, they remain unemployed, their daughters unmarried. This is what’s happening, and this is what needs to change. People’s lives cannot be played with. If the government can misuse its authority on a popular figure like me, average Muslims don’t stand a chance. And we’re talking about 20 crores of them."

I am asking my fellow Indian citizens, please be honest and tell me, is it not happening with the Muslims in our country? If you are not aware of this issue, then research it for yourself.

Here are the few examples:

Mufti Abdulqayyum: Arrested and portrayed as the Mater-Mind of Akshardham Temple Attack in Gujarat. The way police tortured him to accept that crime which he cannot even think of it. Police even forced him to write a letter which was later told that they found this letter from the pocket of terrorist. You will be shocked to read his entire book which he has written after he was acquitted by the Supreme Court (11 Saal Salakhon ke Piche). I am sure if you have pain in your heart for your fellow human beings then you can’t stop your tears after reading each page of this book.

Noorul Huda: Arrested in Malegaon blast. Acquitted in April 2016. The Police used to tell him openly that we know you people can't do this (Malegaon) blast. Yet we are going to frame you in this terror case. He was given electric shocks on ears and forehead. Because of those electric shocks even (after 9 years) he feels the pain. He takes pain killer for the relief. His cloths were taken off. He was beaten until he accepted the charges. My dear Indians when you enjoy the news at home “Aatankwadi ne apna jurm qabul kar lia he”, never forget how that so called terrorist was forced to accept his "crime". Noorul Huda was even threatened that the police officers will harm his family members, especially ladies. (Now you can understand what I mean).

Syed Imran: Arrested in Makkah Masjid blast and was portrayed as main accused. Later acquitted by the Court. Imran who was dreaming to become cricketer, but his parents wanted him to become an Engineer. Due to the poor family background, parents expected that their son earns some money and they can live happily. But due the false charge against him as a terrorist, the entire family's life turns in to hell. Father was demoted from his job, sister lost the job, brother was mentally tortured in school. Muslims (to prove their patriotism towards India) even did stone pelting on his house (By saying: "Masjid me blast karta he tumhara ladka"). So much so that once in jail Imran even tried to commit suicide.

The list goes on with such examples.

Recent example is Arshi Qureshi and Rizwan Khan from Mumbai. Based on one complaint from Kerala, they were booked under UAPA Act. The person who does not know where is Iraq and Syria on world map is being arrested for sending youth there. Just wait and watch and InshaAllah they will be freed soon.

What I am trying to say is, there are thousands of Muslims who are still in Jail based on false charges. Their lives are being ruined. Family members are being harassed not only by the police and agencies but by the relatives as well. Let me tell you my dear fellow citizens, we cannot feel the pain of these situations until it happens with us. When one person from the family is arrested based on any charges, the whole society cut all kinds of relations with them, even the friends delete the mobile number from their cell phone to show they were not friends due to the fear they have of police and the agencies. Nobody cares. Nobody talks.

I ask who is responsible behind all these? Aren't Muslims being harassed? Aren't Muslims being attacked based on beef allegation? Aren't Muslim sisters are being raped on beef politics? Aren't Muslims being killed for allegedly eating beef and later their family members are booked under anti-beef laws? Aren't Muslim sisters are being thrashed by Mob at railway stations? Aren't Muslims being forced to eat cow dung and drink cow urine? Aren't Muslim sisters who were raped in riots still waiting for justice and their rapists are roaming freely?

Ah, I know some of my fellow citizens tell me, Muslims are living in better condition in India as compare to the different parts of the World. I say you just "SHUT UP". If Muslims of the other parts of the world are suffering, is this argument justifies the atrocities done on Indian Muslims? Two wrongs does not make one right.

I salute Dr. Zakir Naik for raising this issue and the government & politicians cannot skip this question by asking who is Dr. Zakir Naik. Is he the boss? Sir, Whether Dr. Zakir Naik is a boss or a layman, the fact is you have failed to gather proofs against him. Yes! Dr. Zakir Naik rightly said, "If the government can misuse its authority on a popular figure like me, average Muslims don’t stand a chance. And we’re talking about 20 crores of them."

Average Muslims don't stand a chance and I have given few examples above. I am 100% sure if Dr. Zakir Naik would not have been a popular figure they would have booked him long ago. and he too would have suffered like the brothers I have mentioned above. But Alhumdulillah they have failed to do so. If raising social issues of the Muslims and speaking against injustice done to them makes a person Anti-National and Communal, Then Yes! Dr. Zakir Naik is Communal and Anti National.

Dr. Zakir Naik is not the boss of the Muslims. We do not have blind-bhakti. We work to please Allah and no one else. However, let me tell you:

He is the most sought-out crowd puller public speaker, not only in India but in the World.

He is helping poor and needy students, whether Muslims or Non-Muslims, to become doctor and engineer.

He is the second Indian who received King Faisal Award after Syed Abul Hasan Nadvi for the service of Islam. (If you dislike this argument, ask the government to speak to Saudi counter and protest for the award Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has given to this "Dr Terror").

Even Indian Express ranked Dr. Naik as third spiritual guru after Sri Sri And Baba Ramdev.

The UAE Government has given awards to him.

The Toko Ma’al Hijrah award Malaysian government has given to Dr. Zakir Naik is mostly presented to Malaysians.

The Nigerian government had officially invited him in Nigeria

You may ignore Dr. Zakir Naik’s popularity, but cannot reject it, and you have accepted his popularity by not framing him till now even by having such a massive Anti Zakir Naik media campaigns. You have failed. Alhumdulillah (All praises are due to Allah)

Lastly, I would like to say to my fellow Indian Muslims,

Brothers and sisters, let me remind you, there is a politician from the same ruling party who said before this Lok Sabha election 2014 - we will take advantage of sectarian differences among the Muslims.

They don't want Muslims to get united. They don't want Muslims popular figures to be respected. They don't want Muslims to raise their voice against injustice done to them. I am sure, some media houses will invite some topi-wearing sectarian ‘Mullah’ to talk against Dr. Zakir Naik’s open letter. And in the competition to prove their patRIOTism, they will abuse Dr. Zakir Naik and try hard to dilute the effect of the open letter written by Dr. Zakir Naik.

Let me tell you dear brothers and sisters, you won't find such ‘Mullahs’ talking against the atrocities done to the Muslims. They keep silence when Muslims suffers. They only get activated when the time comes to ignite sectarian differences among the Muslims. I am not going name themyou can identify them by their actions.

Since the day Modi government comes to power, we have been seeing number of cases where the religious sentiments of the different minority religion are hurt in different parts of the India, be it Muslims, Dalits, Christian or Sikh.

The most remarkable point that has forced me to write this article is "Beef Issue". This issue became hot since NDA government came in to power. Muslims across India are being tortured based on false allegations of consuming beef and indulging in beef business.

Recent case of Mewat, Haryana on 24-25 August 2016 at night, some "Gau-Rakshaks" entered a Muslim house, killed two people; not just this, they even raped two sisters among them one was minor. While raping they said, "We are doing this with you, because you eat beef."

Before this incident there were many cases reported in the media where Muslims were forced to eat cow dung and drink urine of the cow. Literally videos are being recording while Muslims are beaten by these hooligans. These videos are proudly circulated on the social media. There are various documented proofs available in the media against these heinous crimes.

The way videos are being circulated without strict action being taken against them sends an indirect message to the Muslims that "We are lord of this land. You need to be the second category citizens. You need to be like servants. Don’t even think of any action against our will, if you do so, the same things would be repeated on you too.” Fear psychosis is being created among the Muslim masses.

The question is: For how long do we tolerate such hooliganism in our country? For how long this rain of injustice and inequality will continue? For how long Muslims of India will be humiliated? For how long will the innocent Muslim women suffer?

I am exteremly disappointed with the person who said "Goli Marni he to mujhe maaro, par mere dalit bhaiyon ko mat maro" MAN you are the PM of only Dalits? Muslims are being humiliated more than dalits on beef issue. But I salute my Dalit brothers who took on the country when few of the Dalits were beaten in UNA and forced the PM to say the above words.

Now I ask my Muslim brothers and sisters, when will you force the PM to speak against the atrocities you are suffering from "Gau-Rakshaks"?

“After they killed my mama mami, they tried to take me into a room. When I tried to run away, they put a knife on my child. Then four of them gang raped me,” [Muslim Mirror Report]

These were the words of one of the rape survivor from Tuda village of Mewat in Haryana gang rape case. Rape survivor broken while narrating the story of that horrific night. Zubeida, who washed the body of her sister Rasheedan after she was killed, talked about the condition in which she found the body. “Her head wouldn’t stop bleeding. There were cuts everywhere, her arm was broken in multiple places, her neck was displaced. Her breasts were also heavily bruised,” [MM Report]

Yes, you read it correct. It happened with a Muslim family between 24-25 August night and continued for three hours. Since this family was not living in human density area, the murderers-cum-rapists use this weakness to fulfil their hate desire

Why Do I see this rape incident as different from others?

I call it communal rape. This rape was done based on the hate in the heart against the Muslims. You may say that I am trying to communalize this issue, but this is not the case. The reality is, the crime was done by those people who have hate for the Muslims. While raping one of the sister the rapists were saying “you will not be able to slaughter cow this Bakrid”.

Now the questions arise in the mind. Who has given them this courage to do this task? Here is the list I present before you

Punishment Free environment:

In India those who are communal mindset are free to do anything. They don’t have any fear of the government or the law enforcement agencies. Now the government and the agencies should ask this question to themselves “why is this happening?” This communal gang rape is not new in our country. Check the reports of Communal riots against the Muslims. Muzaffarnagar also witnessed the same where more than 25 sisters were raped by such goons.

Politicians who are trying to communalize the issue of beef:

There are some politicians who try to communalize the issue of beef for their ulterior motive. Though some of them are into the beef ecporting business, they do not hesitate to spread violence for their benefits.

The Government’s actions:

Government of Haryana has recently decided that they will investigate the samples of biryanis sold in the locality whether it contain beef or not. Now Imagine! What signals these so called "Gau Rakshak" get by this action of the government?

Government has sent a strong signal to the Muslims of Haryana, at this point of time by taking such action, don’t even try to look at cow. I say OKAY FINE!

Now the question arises when will the government send strong signals to the people who rape the sisters just because they "eat” beef? or will the Government protect such goondas?

In this 21st century, where the world respect the feelings of the people, yet the Islamic beliefs and tenants are questioned and degraded in the name of “security” and “protection”. Muslims find very difficult to follow their religious practice due to the atmosphere society has created, especially by the media. However, India is one of the few countries in the world who respects the religious feelings of the citizens and allow the propagation of those religious beliefs.

Propagation of Religions in Indian Laws:

The Preamble of the Indian Constitution has the word "secular", thereby implying that the State will not discriminate, patronise or meddle in the profession of any religion. However, it shields individual religions or groups by adding religious rights as fundamental rights. (Wikipedia) (Refer Indian Constitution, Art. 15)

Article 25 (1) of the Indian Constitution says: “Subject to public order, morality and health and to the other provisions of this Part, all persons are equally entitled to freedom of conscience and the right freely to profess, practise and propagate religion.”

Meaning of Public order, morality and health: This means that Article 25 & 26 are not absolute. No person can do such religious things which affect the public order, morality and health. For example, no one has right to conduct human sacrifice. No one can perform worship on busy highway or other public places which disturb the community. (Reference)

Articles 25 - 28 speaks about freedom of Religion and its related affairs.

Restrictions:

Section 153 (A) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) prohibits “Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion… and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony.” Section 295 (A) prohibits “Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage reli­gious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or reli­gious beliefs.” Section 298 prohibits “Uttering, words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound the religious feelings of any person.”

The Indian Penal Code lays down certain restrictions on religious freedom (or on freedom of expression). No right is absolute under Indian Constitution. No one has any right to defame, insult, promote enmity, or hurt the religious sentiments of the people. Neither anyone can forcefully or fraudulently convert anyone to any religion.

It is an obligation on every Muslim to propagate the teachings of Islam so that the message of Islam is reached to every human being on earth. It is a belief of the Muslims that Islam is a ‘way of life’ which is for the whole of humanity – not just only for the Muslims or the Arabs. The advent of Islam is to eradicate the evils of the society and make the humanity realise their purpose of existence. Islam, itself, stands for peace and submission.

The Quran commands Muslims to invite people to towards Islam. It says: “Invite (all) to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching, and ague with them in ways that are most gracious.” (AQ, 16:125) It also says: “Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to what is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong. They are the one who attain success.” (AQ, 3:104). The Quran commands the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “Say, "This is my way; I invite to Allah with insight…” (AQ, 12:108).

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (peace be upon him) commands “Convey my teachings even if it is a single sentence.” (Saheeh Bukhari 3461).

From the above references, it becomes evident that propagation of Islam is an obligation on every Muslim. However, even Islam has laid down certain restrictions on those who propagates it.

Restrictions:

The restrictions include forceful, fraudulent, or conversion with any influence.

The Quran says: “There is no compulsion in religion, truth stands out clear from error” (AQ, 2:256). It also says: “So remind, [O Muhammad]; you are only a reminder. You are not over them a controller.” (AQ, 88:21-22)

No Muslim can force anyone or influence him/her to accept Islam. It should be done purely out of one’s own will. The job of a Muslim is to convey the message of Islam and try to convince them – through wisdom, beautiful preaching, and debating. Once the person is convinced, he can choose his path - which one to follow - either to accept Islam or reject it. Any decision is welcome.

Iftikhar Islam is the Founder-Administrator of GPRF Network, Editor-in-Chief of Truth Arrived and Passionate Writers; an author best known for collaborating management strategies with Islamic knowledge for an all-round Islamic development as required in the 21st century. He holds a Post Graduate Degree in Business Management from IIPM School of Business & Economy; and an ardent of Islam, Comparative Religions, Education, Media and Law. | Know More |

Dr. Zakir Naik, famous orator and televangelist on Islam and Comparative Religions, rightly pointed out when it was asked to him about ISIS. He said how can it be ‘Islamic State’ when it kills innocent human beings. The Glorious Quran says, “If anyone kills any human being, unless for a murder or creating mischief in the land, it is as if he has killed the whole of humanity. And If anyone saves any human being, it is as if he has saved the whole of humanity” (5:32) When every act of the organization is against Islam and its teachings, how come this organization be called as Islamic? It should be termed as “Anti-Islamic State for Iraq and Syria”.He argues saying, “If I say that ‘I am a President of America’ will you all believe in me?” No, obviously not, so why the whole world believes the organization to be ‘Islamic State’ which is actually ‘Anti-Islamic’. The name “Islam” itself stands for Peace and Submission to Allah.Therefore, those who believe this radical organization to be “Islamic’ has never understood Islam and its teachings.If you analyze the attacks committed by this organization, you come to know that the majority – almost all - of the victims are Muslims and Muslim Nations. Never this organization has waged a war against Israel – who is openly against Islam.Any sensible person can recognize that ISIS is not an organization of Muslims, neither it has links to Islam in any way. No matter how much ever they take the name of Islam, it is “Anti-Islamic State for Iraq and Syria.”

Iftikhar Islam is the Founder-Administrator of Passionate Writers and GPRF Network, incredible author best known for collaborating management strategies with Islamic knowledge for an all-round Islamic development as required in the 21st century. He holds a Post Graduate Degree in Business Management from IIPM School of Business & Economy; and an ardent of Islam, Comparative Religions, Media and Law. | Know More |